Yesterday at 9:52 AM Hoping to send the maverick to Tampa, Ron Paul supporters secure key posts and take over the state convention agenda

By Steve Mistler smistler@pressherald.com Staff Writer

AUGUSTA - Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul commandeered the Maine Republican Party convention Saturday as part of a multi-state strategy designed to give him a voice at the national GOP convention in Tampa, Fla.

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Linda Silvia of China, a Kennebec County delegate, votes for Ron Morrell to be convention secretary at the Maine Republican Convention in Augusta on Saturday. A Paul backer also was elected convention chairman.

Robert F. Bukaty/The Associated Press

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Republican Party state chairman Charles Webster addresses the GOP State Convention at the Augusta Civic Center.

John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

Despite pre-emptive efforts by state party Chairman Charlie Webster, Paul's highly organized volunteers and supporters took over the proceedings at the Augusta Civic Center. Using preprinted ballots and floor generals who flashed large signs reminding backers which candidates to support, the Paul campaign bested supporters of Mitt Romney, the GOP's presumptive presidential nominee.

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Maine GOP Convention: Paul shakes up the party